[Reoperation in severe hepatic trauma. 30 cases]

From 1978 to 1987, thirty patients were secondarily referred to Saint-Antoine Hospital for the treatment of their hepatic trauma. Seventeen were referred because of a postoperative complication (group I) and thirteen after peri-hepatic packing (group II). In group I, transfer was decided because of hemorrhage (8 patients), sepsis (6 patients) and haemobilia (3 patients). The lesions observed in this group (hemoperitoneum, hepatic sequestrum, intrahepatic hematoma, choleperitoneum and subphrenic abscess) were often related to an incomplete assessment of hepatic damage due to an inadequate exploration and the absence of operative cholangiography. In group II, peri-hepatic packing was effective in eleven patients. The overall mortality was 16.6% (17.6% in group I and 15.4% in group II). Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of the patients (64.6% in group I and 30.7% in group II). Good exposure of the liver, operative cholangiography and, in selected cases, a direct approach to the lacerated liver with suture ligation of severed blood vessels and bile ducts are mandatory for the complete exploration and the treatment of severe hepatic trauma. Peri-hepatic packing and the transfer of the patient to a specialized center is a reliable method when the injury cannot be treated locally.